Vidzeme, Latvia – May 3, 2024 – Exercise Crystal Arrow enhanced skills among NATO allies. From May 5-31, 2025, the exercise saw over 3,000 troops and 1,200 vehicles converge in Latvia, focusing on urban defense tactics. Key objectives of the exercise involved strengthening the eastern flank, deterring potential threats, and improving interoperability. The event showcased the commitment of the alliance. For more details, read on.
NATO Allies Sharpen Skills in Exercise Crystal Arrow
Vidzeme, Latvia – In a powerful display of multinational cooperation, members of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery Regiment, joined forces wiht the Latvian Armed Forces and other NATO allies for Exercise Crystal Arrow. the exercise, which took place from May 5-31, 2025, served as a critical component of the broader DEFENDER 25 series and ran in conjunction with Swift Response.
Massive Participation and Focus on Urban Defense
More than 3,000 NATO troops and 1,200 military and armored vehicles converged in the Vidzeme region for the exercise. Training centered on urban defense operations, emphasizing the sharing of joint tactics to bolster multinational cooperation and operational effectiveness. This collaborative approach is crucial for maintaining readiness and ensuring a unified front.
Local Collaboration and Minimal Disruption
A significant advantage for the Baltic states is the close collaboration between Latvia’s Mechanized Infantry Brigade and local communities. During the exercise, public roads, forests, and airspace were utilized with minimal disruption and no lasting environmental damage, showcasing a commitment to responsible training practices.
Enhancing Coordination and Deterrence
the primary objective of Exercise Crystal Arrow was to improve coordination between soldiers and leadership, particularly in the critical areas of close air support and indirect fire. These joint efforts are designed to demonstrate capabilities, reinforce alliances, and deter potential threats along NATO’s eastern flank. As Sgt. Brandon Cross, section chief with alpha Battery, stated, The significance of this exercise is to show our adversaries that NATO is involved, NATO is here, NATO is here to stay, and that we are strong.
Voices from the Field
The exercise provided invaluable opportunities for soldiers to work together and learn from each other. Sgt. elijah aceret, a gunner with Alpha Battery, emphasized the importance of teamwork, saying, We are out here training as a multinational brigade, and this gives us the possibility to work together and to help each other as a team. By working with them, we can work together to build a better and more cohesive multinational brigade.
M109A7 Paladin in Action
Currently deployed to Latvia, the 1-41st Field Artillery Regiment provides crucial fire support using the M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer system. These artillery crews, having completed their certifications earlier in the year, executed timed precision fires in coordination with NATO counterparts during the live-fire event, demonstrating their readiness and proficiency.
Bridging the Gap in Systems
Interoperability is a key focus of Exercise Crystal Arrow. Staff Sgt. Justin Drew,gunnery sergeant with Alpha Battery,highlighted the challenges and solutions involved,stating,The significance of Crystal Arrow is integrating U.S. field artillery doctrine with Latvian Forces. we have a multitude of systems that do not talk and we have to find a way to work around to come up with different solutions to get the mission done.
Strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank
Exercise Crystal Arrow is vital for maintaining battlefield proficiency and improving interoperability among NATO allies.It directly supports the U.S. Army’s broader objective of strengthening readiness, lethality, and coordination along NATO’s Eastern Flank.The exercise underscores the U.S. commitment to its allies and its dedication to regional security.
A Message of Support and Deterrence
The exercise sends a clear message of deterrence to potential adversaries and reassurance to allies, underlining the alliance’s unity and preparedness to defend NATO territory. Sgt. Brandon Cross emphasized this point, stating, We are participating in Crystal Arrow, and we are doing this because we are showing the Latvian Army support, to show that the U.S. is here and we are here to stay.
Commitment to Collective Defense
Crystal Arrow highlights the U.S.and NATO’s unwavering commitment to collective defense and regional stability. The exercise serves as a testament to the strength of the alliance and its readiness to respond to any threat.
